Lessons

“If I don’t practice for a day, I know it. If I don’t practice for two days, the critics know it. And if I don’t practice for three days, the public knows it.” – Louis Armstrong

Lessons are immersive and are completely individualized per pupil. Lessons can take place at your home lessons, virtually, and at the studio in Flemington, New Jersey. Lesson structure varies and topics can be broad or focus on a particular theme or technique. Each lesson will include active music-making like playing from books, interpreting music, improvising, composing, and vocalizing. 

Lessons occur on a weekly basis and will follow the New Jersey school calendar. Lessons typically begin the week of Labor Day and end the week of or after the Spring recital in June. Lessons during the Summer are possible too but it’s encouraged to take small breaks! Lessons should occur on the same day and time of each week. It is important to put this time of the week as a priority because consistency is a large part for success. Please be sure to show up every week and give it your best shot! 

Practice 

Practice and repetition are the foundation to building up finger dexterity, literacy, and competency. Students will be given specific instructions on what and how to practice. Students should have a folder and notebook for lessons to write down what is to be worked on during the week. A lot of studies have shown that learning occurs while we are asleep. While students learn directly from the instructor in lessons, it is paramount that students reinforce that training throughout the week. My general rule for practice is 5 days out of the week. Typically a student that is first starting lessons should practice at least 5 minutes per day. 

Here’s a video from a YouTuber I follow that offers insight on practice.

Payment is due at the beginning of the month. Due to inclement weather or safety, lessons can move to virtual. This will be based on each situation as it occurs. Cancellations must be provided by at least 24 hours from the lesson start time. As a courtesy, one make-up lesson will be provided for any last minute cancellations. Any last minute cancellations (less than 24 hours) will incur a fee.